Barrett's face turned cold: "It's out of the question. We're husband and wife, and you've lived in the Smith home for so many years. Where could you possibly go if you leave?

You've suffered for a long time, but I will treat you well from now on. Those things will never happen again."

Ignoring Zoe's resistance, he reached out to take her hand into his: "No one is more suited for you than I am, nor is there any place more fitting for you than the Smith home and our home.

Zoe, you know better than anyone that you can't truly let go of a decade's bonds."

The warmth from...